"Patient participation" and related concepts: A scoping review on their dimensional composition

Abstract

Objectives: Several concepts on collaboration between patients and healthcare systems have emerged in the literature but there is little consensus on their meanings and differences. In this study, "patient participation" and related concepts were studied by focusing on the dimensions that compose them. This review follows two objectives: (1) to produce a detailed and comprehensive overview of the "patient participation" dimensions; (2) to identify differences and similarities between the related concepts.

Methods: A scoping review was performed to synthesize knowledge into a conceptual framework. An electronic protocol driven search was conducted in two bibliographic databases and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results: The search process returned 39 articles after exclusion for full data extraction and analysis. Through the thematic analysis, the dimensions, influencing factors and expected outcomes of "patient participation" were determined. Finally, differences between the included concepts were identified.

Conclusion: This global vision of "patient participation" allows us to go beyond the distinctions between the existing concepts and reveals their common goal to include the patient in the healthcare system.

Practice implications: This scoping review provides useful information to propose a conceptual model of "patient participation", which could impact clinical practice and medical training programs.

Keywords: Patient centered-care; Patient empowerment; Patient participation; Scoping review; Thematic analysis.